ASPCA Launches Endurance Training Program with New Partnership with Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today rolled out its new national endurance training and fundraising program, Team ASPCA, with a partnership with Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon event in Los Angeles that will take place Sunday, Oct 30, 2011. The entertainment and music-filled half-marathon weekend event typically attracts approximately 15,000 runners and walkers from across the U.S. and is one of several endurance events Team ASPCA will participate in this year.

Through this new program, the ASPCA anticipates allocating grants to support animal welfare initiatives in some of the local communities in which Team ASPCA events take place. As part of Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon effort, the ASPCA announced it will grant $250,000 to local shelters and rescue groups in Los Angeles, Calif., with funding aimed at saving the lives of animals in the Los Angeles community. Recipients of the grants include LA Animal Alliance and Pet Connections, two growing organizations whose mission is to help find forever homes for animals in need and end animal homelessness in the Los Angeles area.

"The ASPCA is thrilled to be the benefiting charity for the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon, a national event that combines endurance training, entertainment and giving," said Kymberlee Setterberg, senior manager of special events for the ASPCA. "Through Team ASPCA, we offer animal advocates a way to engage in team activities with peers who are passionate about helping the ASPCA provide life-saving programs and services to millions of animals nationwide."

"Over the last five years, the ASPCA has granted nearly $3 million to animal welfare organizations in California, including over $700,000 in 2010," added Sean O'Connor, vice president of development for the ASPCA. "We are pleased to support the animals of Los Angeles with this new 2011 grant program, and are confident that the dedication of our new squad of athletes will enable us to give even more to shelters and rescue groups across the country this year."

LA Animal Alliance is creating opportunities and facilitating the collaboration of local animal organizations, community groups, and the animal loving pubic to positively impact the issue of animal homelessness in the Los Angeles community.

Pet Connections, Inc. is a start-up organization of long-time animal welfare professionals dedicated to developing pet transport programs, increasing community engagement, and strengthening and supporting other local animal rescue groups.

Team ASPCA is a new, national endurance training and fundraising program dedicated to engaging animal advocates around the country to walk, run or cycle to help the ASPCA provide life-saving programs and services to millions of animals in need nationwide. Members of Team ASPCA participate in world-renowned marathons, half-marathons, cycling and other major endurance events across the country to raise funds while supporting the ASPCA's mission and raising awareness of the ASPCA.

For information about how to get involved with Team ASPCA, please visit http://www.jointeamaspca.org.